Experience the holiday like never before!  On this cruise you'll visit Christmas Markets in four different countries – Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany.  Enjoy seven nights on an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship with stops at magical markets. Travel cobblestone streets, take in dramatic landscapes, and stroll through quaint markets Christmas cheer abounds on this cruise! 

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Included meals are denoted: Breakfast: B, Lunch: L, Dinner: D

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DAY 1
Depart the USA: Depart the USA on your overnight flight to
Munich, Germany.
 

DAY 2       D
Welcome to Germany! Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred from the airport to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Regensburg. After boarding, explore the ship and become acquainted with the amenities. Later, enjoy dinner onboard.
 

DAY 3       B, L, D
Your exploration of Germany begins in Regensburg. On your guided walking tour,

view one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube and see the city’s architectural
highlights including the Old Town Hall. Visit the famous Christmas Market at the Thurn & Taxis Palace grounds, try a mug of Glühwein and treat yourself to homemade gingerbread!

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DAY 4       B, L, D

Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you in Passau. During the walking tour, stroll through the old town’s narrow alleys and see the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress from the town below. The tour ends at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, where you’ll find a Chirstkindlmarkt filled with gingerbread-like stalls selling handmade gifts and tasty treats in an atmosphere of twinkling lights. 
 

DAY 5       B, L, D
Enjoy a leisurely morning sailing through the spectacular Wachau Valley, on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, to Krems. Upon arrival, depart for a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey. This Benedictine monastery, perched high atop a vineyard and forest-covered hill, offers stunning views over the Wachau Valley. Inside the abbey, admire its architectural highlights, antique decorations and furnishings.

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DAY 6       B, L, D
Vienna is a capital city comprised of grand boulevards, ornate palaces, amazing architecture and storied history. Also famous for art exhibitions and museums, your included tour visits the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in
the country. After the tour, enjoy free time to visit the wonderful Christmas Markets throughout the city. 

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DAY 7       B, L, D
Learn about Slovakian culture during a visit to Bratislava, capital of the Republic of Slovakia. Enjoy a sightseeing tour including the enchanting Old City with its Town
Hall, Slovak National Theater and the Gothic Cathedral of St. Martin. Bratislava is also home to charming Christmas markets where you can shop for handmade ornaments and holiday craft items. 
 

DAY 8       B, L, D
Budapest, Eastern Europe’s most cosmopolitan capital, is known for the rich architecture and historic monuments along both sides of the Danube. This UNESCO World Heritage city is a true delight during the season with its Christmas Market and festive display of holiday decorations. Your guided coach tour will introduce you to the city as it passes Buda Castle, the Chain Bridge and Andrássy Avenue – the main shopping area lined with spectacular Neo-Renaissance townhomes, cafés, boutiques and theaters, among them the State Opera House. This evening you’ll be delighted by a traditional Hungarian folklore show onboard. 

 

DAY 9       B, D

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers as you disembark the ship. Transfer to the Budapest hotel for a day of leisurely exploration on your own. This evening get together for an included dinner. 

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DAY 10       B

Transfer to the Budapest airport, taking home warm memories of Europe at Christmastime.

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Itinerary subject to change.